Susan Collins

The deficit continues to rise.

Veterans' homelessness has fallen, and it fell by nearly 7.2 percent from 2011 to 2012.

I don't think we ought to be trying to enhance the pain of sequestration.

The rationale behind what appears to be taking away money from the same program with one hand and then giving it back with another program?

The curtailment of air traffic control services will increase operational risk.

We did it last year, and I am sure that we can continue going forward in making those smart decisions while not hurting the veterans, the families, the seniors, the people with disabilities that so often depend on our programs.

I am no fan of sequestration. We do need to reduce our spending. But to do these mindless automatic meat axe cuts does not reflect priority setting.

There are smart ways we can do this, and we have been able to do that in the past.

I completely agree with you, and it should have been done as part of the continuing resolution.

This important program provides mortgage insurance for the construction of multifamily housing, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.

In many cases, our seniors are getting into these reverse mortgages, and they are turning out to be a disaster for them.

Absolutely. Those three arguments are very solid.

I do recognize that a reverse mortgage can be very helpful to some of our seniors, but it seems to me it is fraught with risks for others.

The welfare and safety of tenants must be safeguarded, and federally subsidized properties must represent fair value to the tenant and the taxpayer alike.

I am also concerned for the public housing authorities who are being forced to reduce spending at the expense of families in need.

This program has provided over 400,000 affordable homes for very-low-income elderly individuals.

It is critical that federally subsidized properties comply with all health, safety, and quality standards.

One out of every six men and women in homeless shelters are veterans, and unfortunately, veterans are 50 percent more likely to fall into homelessness compared to other Americans.

If enacted, this would reach the lowest level of funding since 1976.

I continue to support the Homeless Assistance Grants program to prevent and end homelessness.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing as it is absolutely outrageous.

Well, I hope that you really make this a priority.

I guess am outraged by that, and it speaks to the point that Mr. George just made about there being a need for some sort of central hotline or clearinghouse where you could go.

I just think there is so much that can be done and I really applaud you for your leadership on this...

I agree with your comments, with Senator McCaskill's point about that the IRS ought to be embarrassed...